On 16-17 September, His Majesty’s Marines participated in the
Battle of Brandywine. This event was one of the highlights of the year
for the Marines. This reenactment marked the 240th anniversary of the
battle of Brandywine, the largest land battle of the American Revolution.
Making the event even more significant was the fact that it took
place at Sandy Hollow Park, in Birmingham Township, PA. Sandy Hollow was
part of the actual battlefield where combat occurred on September 11,
1777. In fact, there is a memorial in the park to commemorate where
General Marquis de Lafayette was wounded. It was an honor to camp on the
site and march in the footsteps of the brave soldiers who fought there 240
years ago.
Photo by Molly Picture Studio
Despite unseasonably hot weather, the Marines had a strong
turnout at Brandywine.
Marines with the 4th Company Brigade of Guards
Private Morgan
The township sponsors estimated the event brought
in eight to ten thousand spectators to watch the action. Saturday’s
battle followed started with the historic scenario of the American Army
retreating from Birmingham Hill. The Marines, as part of the BritishBrigade, marched through a nearby horse farm, into and out of the adjoining
woods, and spilled out into the open fields of Sandy Hollow. The field was
filled with reforming American forces attempting to cover their retreat as best
they could. Both sides exchanged fire and fought bravely through the
heat, but the Americans were forced to withdraw in the face of a mass British
bayonet charge. Yes, we fixed bayonets! His Majesty’s Marines
fought exceptionally well as they personally captured a rebel cannon and
flag.
Photo by Molly Picture Studios
Sunday featured the dusk battle between Major General Greene
facing off against the Fourth Brigade of Major General Agnew and some wayward
Grenadiers, Lights and Jaegers. While it was hard to recreate the effect
that nightfall had on the ending the fighting, suffice to say the army and
Marines acquitted themselves well.
The weekend was great fun, and all members of His Majesty’s
Marines were honored to participate in this fantastic anniversary
reenactment!
Captain McGaughey riding Jack with Sam Grant riding Cincinnati
